McCrory stresses cooperation as he seeks to tackle state's issues

NEW BERN  Newly-inaugurated Gov. Pat McCrory urged a gathering of Eastern North Carolina residents, elected officials, business leaders and more to work together, regardless of political stripe, as he seeks to chart the Tar Heel State on a course that could define the next 20 to 30 years.

NEW BERN  Newly-inaugurated Gov. Pat McCrory urged a gathering of Eastern North Carolina residents, elected officials, business leaders and more to work together, regardless of political stripe, as he seeks to chart the Tar Heel State on a course that could define the next 20 to 30 years.

The election is over now, he told a cheering crowd gathered at the N.C. History Center, part of the Tryon Palace complex. It's time to get to work because there's a sense of urgency  there's a lot of folks still hurting.

McCrory's visit was part of a statewide tour he is taking to meet with representatives of various Tar Heel communities  mere days after being sworn in.

He spent Tuesday afternoon at Tryon Palace, once the seat of North Carolina's colonial government. He took a tour of the palace, and met privately with Eastern North Carolina elected officials, including those who represent Lenoir County.

Visitors to the N.C. History Center were greeted by historic interpreters dressed in colonial period costumes, and were treated to performances by Tryon Palace's fife and drum corps and the JonKonnu dance troupe.

It's great to be here in New Bern, the first capital of North Carolina, he said.

Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, whose district includes Lenoir County, was among the officials who chatted with McCrory before his speech.

It's exciting for him to be here this soon after his inauguration, Bell said. I think it shows his sensitivity to the situation we face in the east.

McCrory said Tuesday would not be his last visit to the eastern part of the state  long considered one of the most economically challenged regions of North Carolina.

I represent all of the state of North Carolina, including the east. . . . The east is going to be part of the (economic) recovery, he said. I hope the east leads the recovery.

It's a tall task, but I definitely think he's the person we need leading the way, Perry said.

McCrory is the first Republican governor of North Carolina since Jim Martin led the state during the early 1990s.

He stressed Tuesday the need to come together, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, and fix issues such as persistent unemployment, aging or outdated infrastructure, the requirement to implement federal health care reform, or ObamaCare, controlling the state budget and more.

We have the best state in America. . . . the fact of the matter is, we can't live on our past brand forever, McCrory said.

Staff Photographer Zach Frailey contributed to this report.

David Andersoncan be reached at 252-559-1077 or David.Anderson@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at DavidFreePress.